World cup winner hands over the cup

14/06/2006

Big Jack Charlton flew back from the World Cup in Germany to present trophies at his annual competition for disabled anglers.

Fly fisherman Gerald Grieve, aged 45, from Ouston, Chester-le-Street, who has fished the competition at Kielder Water for nine years, picked up his first individual honour when he landed the top trophy – the two foot tall Jack Charlton Trout Cup.

He caught eight rainbow trout weighing a total of 10 pounds 14 ounces.

Some 100 disabled anglers from throughout the North East and beyond took part in the event hosted by Northumbrian Water and run by Jack’s disabled anglers association.

About 20 rophies were presented to winning anglers from Chester-le-Street, Blyth, Seaham, Newcastle, Gretna, Spennymoor, Felling, Cramlington, Morpeth and Ashington.

Having taken part in the World Cup opening ceremonies and returned home Jack now has a few speaking assignments before he jets off again – but he’s not back off to Germany for the remainder of the tournament . . .  he’s going fishing in Ireland instead!

Gerald said: “It is always special seeing Jack and it was extra special being presented with the cup by him while the World Cup is underway. I’m a keen supporter and watching as many games as possible and I spoke to him about England’s chances.

“He said forget about what he had done as a member of the team which won for England in 1966 and get behind the 2006 team now - and he reckons we’ve got a good chance of winning.”

Jack said: “ The disabled competition at Kielder is one of the highlights of the year which I always try to make and I couldn’t let a little football competition in Germany get in the way now, could I!”

Fishing note:

Gerald won the competition fishing from a boat using an intermediate line and a fly called a Dawsons Olive.